SA's vaccination programme going ahead as planned: Zweli Mkhize
Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize says South Africa's COVID vaccination programme is going ahead as planned.
It's been slightly revised though as the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will now be used during phase 1 of the rollout - instead of the AstraZeneca jab.
It's after research showed that the AstraZeneca shot wasn't effective in treating mild to moderate symptoms of the new virus strain. Mkhize's been briefing the country this morning on the inoculation plan.
"The Johnson & Johnson vaccine has been proven effective against the 501Y.V2 variant and the necessary approval processes for use in South Africa are underway.
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Mkhize says the department will wait for expert advice on what to do with the one million AstraZeneca vaccines, which will expire in April.
He says depending on their advice, the vaccine will be swapped before the expiry date.
"By exchanging unused vaccines before the expiry date, the Department of Health will ensure that the acquired AstraZeneca vaccines do not become wasteful and fruitless expenditure."
